Chabot College
Fall 2005
Replaced Fall 2006
Course Outline for Automotive Technology 60A
AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICS/ELECTRONICS I
Catalog Description:
60A – Automotive Electrics/Electronics I
May be repeated three times
4.0 Units
Automotive electrical/electronic systems. Basic electrical circuits, components, battery, starting,
charging, and basic wiring systems. Electrical components and the use of basic wiring diagrams
for trouble shooting systems. Repair of wiring circuits and correct use of diagnostic equipment.
Prerequisite: Automotive Technology 50 or 55 (may be taken concurrently). Strongly
recommended: Automotive Technology 61A, Industrial Technology 74. 2.5 hours lecture,
5.5 hours laboratory.
Prerequisite Skills:
Before entering the course the student should be able to:
1. recognize unsafe working conditions and practices;
2. use common automotive shop equipment safely;
3. identify and recognize common automotive tools and equipment;
4. identify fasteners;
5. demonstrate proper procedures to repair a broken fastener and/or repair threads;
6. discuss automotive engine fundamentals;
7. perform engine vacuum tests;
8. perform cylinder compression tests;
9. perform cylinder leakage tests;
10. perform oil pressure tests;
11. perform oil and filter change;
12. assess and use service information;
13. demonstrate proper use of metric and standard micrometers;
14. demonstrate proper use of an analog or digital volt/ohmmeter;
15. select the appropriate automotive fluid for the selected application;
16. use appropriate methods for hazardous waste handling and disposal;
17. discuss potential areas of employment in the automotive industry;
18. recognize the importance of preventative maintenance to the automobile and its components;
19. understand the theory and operation of a wide variety of automotive components and the
importance of inspection, servicing, and lubrications;
20. understand safety procedures and the ramifications of handling hazardous waste materials;
21. identify the concepts of computer-stored service information, and have the ability to access this
information;
22. demonstrate the ability to update older information systems to meet the needs of the rapidly
changing automobile industry.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. identify and interpret electrical/electronic system concern, and determine necessary action.
2. diagnose electrical/electronic integrity for series, parallel and series-parallel circuits using
principles of electricity (Ohm’s Law).
3. demonstrate the proper use of a digital multimeter (DMM),test lights and fused jumper wires
during diagnosis of electrical circuit problems.
4. measure and diagnose the cause(s) of excessive key-off battery drain (parasitic draw)
5. inspect and test fusible links, circuit breakers, and fuses, repair wiring harnesses and
connectors, and perform solder repair of electrical wiring.
6. perform battery state-of-charge test; capacity test, and confirm proper battery capacity for
vehicle application.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Automotive Technology 60A, Page 2
Fall 2005
7. perform battery service, perform slow/fast battery charge, inspect and clean battery cables,
connectors, clamps, and hold-downs, repair or replace as needed.
8. start a vehicle using jumper cables and a battery or auxiliary power supply.
9. perform starter current draw tests, generator (alternator) output tests, circuit voltage drop
tests.
10. inspect and test starter relays and solenoids.
11. remove and install starters and alternators.
12. inspect, adjust, or replace generator (alternator) drive belts, pulleys, and tensioners; check
pulley and belt alignment.
13. inspect and test ignition primary and secondary circuit wiring and components
14. inspect, test and service distributor.
15. inspect and test ignition coil(s), check and adjust ignition system timing and timing
advance/retard (where applicable).
Course Content
1. Fundamentals of basic electricity/electronics
2. Rules and principles of magnetism as to how it relates to relays, solenoids, motors,
alternators
3. Battery systems
4. Starter systems
5. Charging systems
6. Ignition system fundamentals
7. Diagnostic equipment (digital multimeter, battery testers, ignition analyzers)
8. Electrical/electronics troubleshooting
9. Hazardous material handling
10. Parasitic on car battery testing
11. Shop safety and safety practices
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lecture/demonstrations (use of multimedia)
Laboratory
Laboratory work sheets
Guest speakers
Field trips
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a. Read chapter on Circuits and be prepared to discuss
b. Complete worksheet utilizing information from lecture
c. Demonstrate use of battery, starting system, and charging system analyzers
d. Demonstrate use of the ignition system analyzer
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a. Class participation
b. Performance in the laboratory projects
c. Laboratory work sheets
d. Homework
e. Quizzes
f. Tests on chapter sections.
g. Final examination (written and/or lab practical)
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Diagnosis and Troubleshooting of Automotive Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Systems,
Third Edition, James D. Halderman, Prentice Hall, 2001.
Chabot College
Course Outline for Automotive Technology 60A, Page 3
Fall 2005
Special Student Materials:
1.
2.
3.
Safety glasses
Shop/safety clothing
Three ring folder
RJ/SS10/2004
AT 60A course outline.doc